Employees to shut down PIA offices in protest against privatization

KARACHI: The joint action committee of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) employees has announced to lock up PIA offices from tomorrow and to suspend flight operations from February 02 in protest against the passing of PIA privatization bill by the National Assembly, ARY News reported.

Speaking at a press conference, chairman of joint action committee, Captain Sohail Baloch said an ordinance was issued for the privatization of the national airliner, while now the passing of a bill by the NA, transforming PIA into public limited company, is incomprehensible.

Laying forth five demands, he questioned why the government is in rush to sale out this key institution.

He demanded withdrawal of the bill passed by the assembly saying that whether it is sale of shares or involvement of any strategic partner, nothing is acceptable to them.

The joint action committee called on the government to provide it a chance to revamp the PIA and said the government can make a decision of its own choice, if the committee fails in restructuring the PIA.

The committee announced to keep PIA offices closed from Tuesday all over the country until its demands are not met. It also warned of suspending flight operations from February 02.

It appealed the government to keep workers’ woes in view and not to let the national flag-carrier fall prey to privatization.